Biggest Loser--SUMMER 2011 Challenge for Losers & Maintainers!

[SettinSail]

Good luck tomorrow shawn.

*********************************************************

Thanks Lindsay You don't look overweight in the pics I've seen of you! You look athletic! I find that talking less to my MIL helps By that I mean, I listen to everything she says and nod or murmur agreement but never bring up any topics of my own Makes for a much more pleasant visit although it really is a shame that she is the way she is and I can't have a normal relationship with her like I can other people. Now my FIL is completely normal and so was my MIL's sister but MIL is a completely different story..... I haven't heard of Soul Surfer, I will have to check it out. You have a great week too

Shawn- Where are you going to be working? Not sure yet when I will be down again. My mom asked me today but I just don't know and we've got so many things coming up it's going to be hard to get away.

I am going back to work for the Insurance company I worked for before I left to go to Germany. It is in Raleigh and is the state headquarters for the company which has about 250 offices around the state. I actually thought when I left in 2009 I would never go back there but here I am. I have worked there since 1985, full-time until 2000 and part-time from 2000-2009. I think I would like to work and I should work since my only child is in HS and even if we don't need my income to survive it is helpful for the extra things and to bulk up savings. I will be working 30 hours a week, from 8-2 daily. I only wanted 20 hours but they asked me to work more. It is sort of a catch-all postition; I do everything from special projects and/or training new employees to covering for people out on maternity leave and/or taking over job vacancies until they can be filled, etc. It can be very stressful and quite often I was asked to do even more than the people who work there full-time! But, it is a very generous compensation package so I try to give it my very best. It is nice to know that I am appreciated there and that no matter what gets done or doesn't get done; I give it 6 hours and then I leave

Shawn, have a great day tomorrow!

Thanks Linda!


I guess I should be in bed now but I don't think I'll ever get to sleep tonight I have written out a list of things for DS to do around the house tomorrow as well as what he should eat for breakfast and lunch...a family menu for the week....a detailed schedule for everything I need to get done tommorrow (I do this one every day)...and a list of what I plan to wear each day this week Right now I have a pretty limited wardrobe and I'm going to be careful to try to mix and match things so I don't repeat the same things every day. Yes, I am a little bit anal and a little OCD but as long as I have my lists, my mind can then relax

I hope you all have a great week! And, for the person that asked about getting in water throughout the day, I find that I like to vary what I am drinking out of. Right now I have a very nice Tervis tumbler that I am using that has cherry blossoms on it. Last week, I was reusing a 20 oz Sobe water bottle. Sometimes I go for days with lemon in my water, some days without, some days lots of ice, some days room temp.

And, I won the HH for Week 8 - I think that was the week BEFORE we went on vacation

Shawn

 

[cclovesdis]

Good Morning!

I answered the QOTD yesterday and then lost my post, but I wanted to say that my weight is definitely contributing to my limited self-confidence. And, with that comes dating. I'm considering signing up for a matching website, but maybe when I'm 10 pounds lighter. I believe that moves me from obese to overweight, which is a difference that seem to really matter to me.

I woke up before the alarm, and my alarm was set for me to go to work an hour early. Oh well. That just means I'll sleep well tonight. I'll pack my gym clothes and sneakers and aim to go to the gym afterwork. My lunch is ready to go. I just have to grab it out of the refrigerator. I made 4 days of pancakes yesterday, so I just have to warm them up and eat them in the parking lot at work, but before I get out of the car.

QOTD: We have never been to a water park near/in WDW. I like rides like it's a small world and the TTA. I don't think I'd be too interested in some of the drops at the water parks. However, I probably could spend hours in the lazy river.

Have a great day today!

 

[my3princes]

Sunday QOTD: My weight has never limited me from activities. I definitely have more self confidence when it is lower, but I'll try most anything anyway.

Another busy day! We had a great time at our neighbor's bbq, and then I had to get ready for the kids' orientation/picture day tomorrow. School starts Tuesday!

I want to thank everyone for their honest and thoughtful answers on today's QOTD. I know I often hold myself back from doing things, not just physical but also emotional. Its definitely a process to learn to get out more and live the life you want. I don't have time to respond right now, but will get to more replies tomorrow. I'm trying to alternate between more serious and more fun QOTDs, so here's a more fun one for tomorrow:


QOTD Monday August 8
Have you been to any of the water parks in Orlando (Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, etc.)? Do you have a favorite?


I've only been to Aquatica but really enjoyed it (except for the food). I hope to try one of the Disney water parks on a future trip, whenever that may be.

We did River Country on our honeymoon, we miss that one. We've also done Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach several times. We like Blizzard Beach better as the kids enjoy the zip line and could care less about the snorkel lagoon.


I need to head out the door soon. Have a fabulous Monday. (I am so off schedule that I feel like I looked at the clock every 10 minutes through the night I'm sure this will be a tough day to get through.)

 

[donac]

Good Monday morning everyone.

I can't believe how many people have beenon this morning already. I feel like I am so late but I know I am not.

Went out to dinner with dh last night for our anniversary. We took a lot of the appetizers home and will be eating those for lunch this week. Did have dessert but I didn't eat lunch yesterday so it balanced out.

I woke up this morning with a sore throat and my ears clogged. Now I understand why I didn't feel quite right yesterday.

Good luck to those going back to work this morning. I only have a few more weeks before I go back to work.

QOTD I went to River Country a couple of times and loved it. We have been to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. I like Blizzard Beach because there is a pool for the preteens that you can just jump in and cool down without waves and without going on any kind of rides. The rides in BB are longer than in TL.

I have to take my car to the garage this morning since it is still making a noise. Also on tap for today is geting back to painting the house.

Have a happy and healthy day.

 

[bellebookworm9]

QOTD Monday August 8
Have you been to any of the water parks in Orlando (Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, etc.)? Do you have a favorite?

Mom and I went to Blizzard Beach last May, and I also went to Typhoon Lagoon by myself one afternoon because she was sick.

I am unsure which one I liked better, but they had both been hyped up to me so much as a child (I had a sing along video called "Beach Party at Walt Disney World" that featured them) that I felt let down in person.

At BB, I conquered my fears and did both the chair lift and Summit Plummet! We did pretty much everything else in the park too.

I went to TL in the afternoon, so it was a little more crowded (and more than I was expecting), but I really liked Crush 'n' Gusher and the Wave Pool. Would have loved to try the family tube ride, but the one at BB was broken, and since I was single at TL, and all the families around me were speaking Spanish, I didn't get to.

Woke up this morning and my throat hurts even more than it did. It's also very swollen up to behind my ear on the right side, so I'm not going to work. It hurts to talk too much/loudly, and I don't want to get any of the kiddos sick.

 

[JacksLilWench]

QOTD Monday August 8
Have you been to any of the water parks in Orlando (Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, etc.)? Do you have a favorite?

I wish!! No one else in my family likes water nearly as much as I do, so we never go to the water parks. I did mention to my mom this morning though (my usual WDW traveling partner) that I want to do a solo trip next year because she's wanting to do a cruise. And don't get me wrong, I love my mom, but I'm reeeeeally in need of a break from her, lol. Traveling can be stressful at best, and she and I sometimes butt heads on travel issues.

I completely understand. In addition to the rant I posted about mine yesterday (the battery and charger), it also overheats, won't play DVDs properly (it freezes, skips, and makes funny noises), has a missing key, the screen goes fuzzy when I play games like Solitaire, and the plastic hinge covering cracked and broke off, so now it has exposed metal hinges. Only 2.5 weeks-ish until I get the new one!

**********************
Eating today was all right. I didn't eat a lot because my throat is so sore (praying the amoxicilian works soon, because I can't keep popping motrin like it's candy), but I still managed to go over my points. Back to work tomorrow. My online class is now finished and I got an A. The professor said my final paper was "well organized, well researched, and had excellent examples." She said that was how she found all of my participation throughout the course as well, and that I added real value to the discussions. I've never been told that before!

Also TWO MONTHS til Disney!

I truly dislike computers a lot of the time. I can't hate them too much though, because they provide me with my Daily Dose of Dis.

I hope your throat feels better soon! Definitely gargle with salt water, it works. It doesn't feel very good, but it works!

 

[jaelless]

QOTD Monday August 8
Have you been to any of the water parks in Orlando (Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, etc.)? Do you have a favorite?

I have never gone to water park, usually was too cold when visited. I am hoping next year when I take DD for her birthday we can go to both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. They look like such fun.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

QOTD Monday August 8
Have you been to any of the water parks in Orlando (Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, etc.)? Do you have a favorite?

We have been to Typhoon Lagoon, Aquatica and Wet 'n Wild. We were not overly impressed with Aquatica. While it did have nice theming, it did not have many rides, and therefore long lines. Typhoon Lagoon had the best theming and good rides, but not as many daredevil ones as my dh and ds13 would like. Wet 'n Wild had the least theming (think concrete water park, and that's it), but they loved the variety and number of intense rides. So, that would be their favorite water park. I'm not big on the water park experience, so I honestly prefer to stay back at the hotel by the pool. Maybe many lbs lighter, the water parks will appeal more to me.

Ok, I have to comment on just one or two things I've missed -- for those of you "too smart" for a boyfriend -- do not listen to anyone who tells you this! When I graduated from college, my grandmother was beside herself because I wasn't married yet and I was an old maid -- at 22! Well, I went to grad school and graduated again, now even an older maid at 24! This was unheard of in our family. I was the first person to have one degree, let alone 2, and then to be 24 without a husband and 2 or 3 kids...surely something was wrong with me

I got my first professional job because I had my Masters. I had been there about 2 months when I met the man who would become my husband, and we've been married for 18 years. If I hadn't gotten my education, I would have missed out on the best thing in my life (which of course led to ds, etc.). My dh is a match for me in every way, and would not want a woman who was not bright, could not follow conversation, didn't have her own opinions, etc.) So please, please, follow your dreams. Eventually they will lead you to your best future. Don't act like anyone other than who you are. If you build it (your confidence, your self-worth, the you that you are meant to be), he will come

And in-laws are tricky. My MIL was amazing, unfortunately she passed in 1999. My FIL is not the brightest penny in the well. One time I had to distract my ds3 as FIL was explaining to him how at the turn of the century (he didn't specify which one), dogs used to be cats until the split. And yes, he did believe this. He was a cruddy dad, and he's continued that tradition as a grandfather. One of my SILs is a peach, the other is another word that ends in "ch". But hey, at least my dh doesn't want to spend time with the annoying ones. Which is just as well, since they don't really have time for us anyway. Limiting contact can be good.

I'll post a race report later, probably tomorrow I'll have more time on the computer. I took today off from work, but dh needs it to do some work, and I don't have the patience for our laptop.

Very quickly -- Cam looks like the BL she is this week. I saw her before the race and she looked wonderful! I did not have my best race ever, but I finished and I have a cool medal to show for it!

Maria

 

[momofdjc]

QOTD Monday August 8
Have you been to any of the water parks in Orlando (Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, etc.)? Do you have a favorite?

I've been to both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. It's hard to pick between the two of them. Typhoon Lagoon has the great wave pool and is more relaxing for us but Blizzard Beach has the better water slides. Makes it a tough decision.

Trying to get back into the swing of things around here. Just got back from a week in Branson, MO where it was hot. The coolest day there was 98 and the hottest got up to 115. We spent a lot of time in the pool. I managed to not gain while there - I think it was just too hot to eat a lot. Most of my calorie intake was of the liquid variety.

 

[tigger813]

QOTD: I've been to Blizzard Beach once. We figure that once DD6 is older and a better swimmer we will go. Our trip to Blizzard Beach was in 1999 with all of our friends. My strongest memory of our day was when we were doing the lazy river and redwalker's husband decided that it would be funny to hold me under the melting mountain spot! I was so cold! Rich is quite the character. Once when we went to play paintball he shot me right in the neck and the joke was that he gave me a hickey!

Speaking of redwalker, she arrived safely home from Hawaii this morning after a delay in Chicago. Can't wait to see her on Friday at the Journey concert!

Girls and I finished a wall. Then we just watched the movie Ballet Shoes and now we are watching Next Food Network Star from last night.

Long night last night as we had a horrible t-storm at 2:30am so I got up and read for a while and then did some things on the computer. Went back to bed around 4:30 and then woke up when Brian got out of the shower. Not sure what else we will do today except some Wii and maybe watch another Harry Potter movie.

Don't know if I will get anymore exercise except maybe take a walk while the girls are at tennis this afternoon.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

QOTD: i haven't done anything in orlando other than the 4 main parks at WDW! we keep saying we're going to try universal (esp now with WWoHP!) and a water park. i'm one of those people who always poo-pooed doing anything other than disney. but i'd like to do a water park one day. probably when the kiddos are older. we'll be there next month and as much as i'd love to just sit on the lazy river all day i don't think bringing a 2 year old to the water park would be a good idea for me. waaay too much energy to keep up with him. plus add water to that? no thanks. one day though!!

***

hope everyone's doing well. i'm a little behind on here. no real reason, just laziness. i ate my weight plus more this weekend. i'm going to be in trouble once the baby comes and i still keep eating this way!

i loved all the cute pet pictures! that was a fun question!

anyone having anything good for dinner tonight? i need to go grocery shopping and my meal planning list so far is blank.

 

[Connie96]

Howdy folks! I just wanted to remind y'all that your WIN! numbers for 8/15 are due this week. I only have **3** submissions so far. (I haven't even done my own measurements yet so I need to add that to my list for today, too!)

Looking forward to hearing from you.

 

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone! I haven't had a chance to catch up yet because work is unbelievably busy, but I wanted to thank everyone for their good wishes for the 1/2 marathon. It was so wonderful to see Maria (worfiedoodles) there. If you've never met her or seen a picture, imagine the prettiest smile and most positive spirit, and you'll know why I felt so fortunate to see her in the starting corral yesterday morning in the torrential rain.

I posted a quick race report/review on the race thread, but it is HERE at post 99, if you want to read it.

I'll be back soon to catch up.

 

[lisah0711]

Happy Monday all!

Quick post here. It's a busy day but I need a little break.

Melissa, I love your kitty pics. Nala has such beautiful eyes.

QOTD Monday August 8
Have you been to any of the water parks in Orlando (Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, etc.)? Do you have a favorite?

We always to go Orlando in the winter so never have made it to a water park yet. Even though we are "crazy" people swimming when others think it is cold, we stick to the resort pools.

Lisa, hope your kiddos have a wonderful first day of school tomorrow!

Shawn, it's a bit late for today but here is some for you and your return to work this week. Hope everyone did what they were supposed to at home. Maybe as time goes on you can change down to 25 hours a week. Congrats on your HH win!

Maria and Cam a BIG CONGRATULATIONS on completing the Providence RnR Half Marathon yesterday! You both showed the spirit of true WISH'ers running and finishing in the rain.
I think that you both totally

momofdjc, congratulations on not gaining on vacation! That is always a winner in my book.

Nancy, too late to give you any dinner suggestions now -- is your DH tired of pasta salad? On nights like these I have a tendency to go with rotisserie chicken, frozen veggies and a boxed rice mix but since it is "meatless Monday" I went with tofu, stir fry veggies, some noodles and a bottled szechwan sauce -- who knows how it will turn out!

But Lisa and CC I did do all my meal planning and goal planning this week-end and I thank you for your challenges!

Howdy folks! I just wanted to remind y'all that your WIN! numbers for 8/15 are due this week. I only have **3** submissions so far. (I haven't even done my own measurements yet so I need to add that to my list for today, too!)

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Just sent you a PM although I kind of feel like my "winning" is more Charlie Sheen style right now.

Still OP and tracking everything. I'm ready to see some good results this week.

 

[glss1/2fll]

QOTD: We've been once each to Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and Aquatica. Don't have a favorite. They were all a blast.

Cam, love your link. Great job on the race to you and everyone else who did it!

Got up and did my run then took DH to work and went back to bed! I was just tired! Kids and I are having a lazy day. Watched the 2nd Pirates movie then popped over to Costco. DS1 said he wanted rotisserie chicken for dinner so that is what we bought. DS2 was still in bed when we left--at 12:50! Apparently he went to bed at 2:30 last night. Teenagers are so stupid. I found DS1 completely crashed on the couch at 6 this morning. Sent him to bed.

Right now I'm waiting for DH to come home. He had a doctor appointment 1.5 hours ago and I've heard nothing. This is a follow up on his hurt knee from 2 weeks ago that never got better. We're getting old!

 

[liesel]

I'm back from student orientation, pictures, and paying lots of fees. Still catching up...

Good Sunday morning everyone.

QOTD Sunday August 7
Is there something you would like to do but your weight/current fitness level/body image/self doubt is holding you back?

I have always wanted to do a marathon and many of you have proven that your don't have to be a certain size to do it. BUT with the conditions of my feet, ankles and now my knee it is doubtful. I would love to lose some weight on the hope that it will ease the aches and pains but I hold out very little hope.

Well off to shower for church.

Have a happy and healthy day.

I think its a fantastic idea to lose the weight and then see what your body can do. Who knows, it may suprise you! Hopefully you will be able to do more than you think, it definitely doesn't have to be a full marathon.

QOTD Saturday August 6
This qotd is inspired by all of you who have posted pictures of your pets.
Do you have a pet? If so, please post your favorite pet pic or share a favorite pet story!

We have a dog, a cat and a turtle. This is our second generation of pets -- each and every one is an important part of our family.

This is Sadie, who is 4

and Wally, who is 6

and Peple the party turtle -- named that because we always have holiday decorations by his tank

I loved seeing everyone's cutes pets! Great question, Lisa!
QOTD Sunday August 7
Is there something you would like to do but your weight/current fitness level/body image/self doubt is holding you back?

I'm getting much better at not letting things hold me back from what I would like to do. That said I would like to be more comfortable in those things that I do as well as not have the nagging thought that it would be better, easier, more fun, etc. if I did not weigh so much.

Had a very nice long run yesterday. It was hot so I went out and did 2 miles before meeting up with my training group. That helped a lot. I kept them in sight for more than half the run, which is a first for me. Only 19 more training runs until my half in September so time to move, move, move.

Another day of tracking every bite and of course those long runs rack up the fitness minutes. Today is a well deserved rest day.

Have a great day all!

I love your pet pictures, especially your party turtle! How cute!

I hear you on learning to enjoy things more without worrying about weight. Its definitely a process. Great job on the long run!

Good morning!

Love seeing everyone's pet pictures. They are all adorable. I miss having a cat since ds is allergic, and like someone else mentioned, we also are not home enough to have a dog, and I don't want the commitment of a dog right now.

Lisa- How exciting to be family of the day. Your kids must have been so excited to see themselves on the jumbo screen. So cool. And nice upgrade too!


I think getting out and dating. I'll look online occassionally, and think with ds there is just too much going on, and there isn't enough time to get out there, but honestly, I don't feel as good as I feel 20-30 pounds lighter. I've lost this weight before, and have noticed when I'm thinner, I'm more flirtatious, and more open to the possibility of meeting someone.

Yes, the kids loved the VIP treatment at the Rockies game, they better not get used to it!

Dating is a tough one. I agree that having a more positive self image and just being open helps good things come your way!

I can think of a few things, two of which I'm working on. The first is the bikini we've been discussing, and I am feeling better that I will be able to wear it with confidence in October.

The second is running a 5K at some point. Now that I'm done with class for the moment, I'm going to start running again.

My third goes along with mikamah:



I am 20 years old and have never have a boyfriend. Most days it doesn't bother me, but I wonder if I was thinner if I'd be more confident about trying to find one. The other two points, not physical related, are that I am too smart and too independent for my own good. Mom thinks I intimidate guys and scare them off because I'm too smart. And with the independence, if I get into UF next year, I'm going. I will not let anything hold me back, and I don't think I could do a long distance relationship.

******************************
Yesterday was pretty on plan. I didn't eat a lot because of my throat being so sore. I called the doctor and they sent a prescription to the pharmacy so I'm heading over there soon.

First, I think that bikini and 5K are very attainable goals and you will be there in no time. As for dating, I was 20 and had never dated when I met my DH in college. He's almost 4 years older than me, he was in the air force and went to college on the GI bill. We were friends first and I am so happy to find someone who is smart and loves books just as much as I do. He's an engineer and definitely has different strengths than me. We get along so well, he is my best friend. I know there is someone out there for you who will love your intelligence.

uuugh, what a weekend. you ever have one of those weekends where on the outside it seems like it was a nice weekend but really it was pretty stressful? not sure if that makes sense. let's just say that i can't wait for DH to go back to work. i need a break from him! i don't know what it is but we have done nothing but scream at each other all weekend. classy, huh?

we've been go go go all weekend too and DS hasn't napped in two days. and it is NOT a good thing!

is it tomorrow yet???

oh and my eating? horrible.

good things of the weekend though: seafood feast was awesome and so much fun. also, we went downtown today to a great park in central park and next to the MET. DS had a blast. and we saw all the nutso people waiting in FOUR HOUR LINES to get into the alexander mcqueen exhibit. FOUR HOURS!!! we had planned on going to the MET, saw the line, and made a b-line for the park instead. also, stopped by my aunt & uncle's apt on the upper east side and got a daybed from them. cha ching! free!

coach L QOTD Sunday August 7
Is there something you would like to do but your weight/current fitness level/body image/self doubt is holding you back?

this is a really great question. thanks for asking us. i think we all hold back on something because of self doubt! i mean, sadly, we're women...it's what we do. hate that!

i feel like maybe i'm missing out on a different kind of social life by being miserable about weight and having a poor self image. i don't know what it is exactly i'd be doing differently - going out more? i don'y know. just, experiencing life more.

You are so right about women and self doubt. I hope you are rested and recovered from the weekend and things aren't so stressful. I am so jealous of the seafood feast!

Hello Losers

We are back from our week at the beach ~ I think this is the same thing as the shore for you N'easterners

Busy busy weekend......we bought a car for me, new phone for DS, our new leather recliners were delivered (this is a big deal since we do not have the rest of our furniture from Germany yet), DS had HS orientation and tomorrow DH and I go back to work

QOTD Saturday: We used to have a female tuxedo cat "Miss Patsy". She was a very petite cat who never weighed over 7 pounds her whole life! She did what cats do and coughed up hairballs and stuff and she would try to "hide" them and do it behind the sofa or somewhere like that. When we would find them we would yell out "23-19" "23-19". This is what they yelled out in Monsters Inc when they had been contaminated by a human

QOTD Sunday: I can't think of anything specific that my weight is holding me back from doing but I think I would be more confident overall at a lower weight.

Interestingly, my hairdresser suggested I have my thyroid checked - my hair has really thinned and falls out a lot. I thought it was just my age but now it has me wondering.....could my weight issues be related to this? Sometimes (not lately) I feel like I should see much more of a result for all the effort I am putting in!

Have a great rest of the weekend losers Send me some PPD for my first day back at work since 5/29/09

Shawn

Welcome back Shawn! I hope you enjoyed your vacation! Getting your thyroid checked is a good idea. I had mine checked last summer and am currently on medication. Since my case was borderline, I hope losing some more weight will allow my to go off it.

You can definitely lose those 4.5 pounds by the end of the challenge. A routine really does help and I'm sure you'll find your groove in no time. I hope you had a fantastic first day at work!

QOTD Sunday August 7
Is there something you would like to do but your weight/current fitness level/body image/self doubt is holding you back?

This is a biggie for me. See ten years ago I met this great guy, we dated, but because of bad timing he had to go back home to England. We have stayed in contact since then with the internet and phone calls. We have seen each other thru lots of life changes. Well now he is back in the USA and he wants to get back together. I do too, just my body has definitely changed in 10 years. Shoot I had a baby 2 years ago. So what is holding me back from probably having the best relationship ever is about 30 lbs. That won't put me where i was when we dated, but it would defitely help in me seeing him face to face.

It sounds like there's a great guy out there for you and I wish you all the best!

Healthy Habits Week 8 Results

Congratulations to Our Participants:
bellebookworm9
glass1/2fll
JacksLilWench
keenercam
satorifound
SettinSail

Congratulations to this Week's Prize Winner: SettinSail!

Please PM me your address and I will send you your prize.

Congratulations to keenercame and SettinSail for earning 14/16 Healty Habits points! Great!



I apologize for the delay in posting these. Between posting difficulties, Excel stubborness , and the usual to-do list, I haven't had much time to get on here.

Congrats to everyone who participated in HH!

Me too Kathy. I just don't even get out to meet people and don't really want to do much online. I'm waiting! And for MANY reasons. I want to get the divorce final(after over 4 years apart), I want to lose weight, I just feel I need to be more financially stable, and for the right one.

I'm allergic to cats too but I deal, with my daily Claritin its not too bad. It is fairly mild reactions though. I just couldn't imagine never having cats because of it.

I loved the cat pictures! I think its a good idea to just stick with friendships and some socializing for now and date when you are ready.

 

[liesel]

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday (as wonderful as a Monday can be ) and have a plan for the week. I did my grocery and meal planning on Saturday and made a tenative plan for exercise that I have already had to revise. When I went to my kids' school today, I volunteered to help get the first graders their lunches this week (and help make sure they eat!) so I won't be able to do a couple of the gym classes I was planning. I think I'll just take it easy with my cross training this week and do just walking, Wii Fit, and handweights on Wednesday and Friday since I am doing a 5K on Sunday and don't want to overdo it.

As for food, I ended up not cooking last night since we took home leftovers from a neighborhood bbq. I had a bbq pulled pork sandwich for dinner. Today I'll be fixing a ground turkey taco salad with mixed greens, tomato, avocado, seasoned ground turkey, cheese, and salsa. I'll check in later, I hope everyone has a lovely OP dinner!

 

[trinaweena]

Whoa. I fell way off the wagon. Like I can't even see the wagon anymore. I haven't excersized in two weeks. That's not to say I have done no physical activity, I've done A LOT of walking around many wedding venues this week! (They are still no closer to picking one, although i found the perfect spot for me! Now I just need a ring!). I was afraid to weigh in on Friday, as the friday before I was UP for the first time back to 160. Well I actually LOST weight! back down to 157 and on wednesday i can finally start running again. I have been remembering to eat healthy, control portions, and lots of veggies and fruits! My class is just days away from being over and i anticipate next week and the end of this week to be much better.

I've been so busy I haven't been on here for days. I'm going to read and catch up but just a few things i wanted to comment on.

Pet Question of the day
You guys have seen my babies haha! I have 4 dogs, two papillons, Que (pronounced Q) who is 5 years old and a big love bug. Well small love bug, and dumb as a bag of rocks but such a sweet heart. She is our miracle dog as when we got her at 3 months old she was diagnosed with Parvo and Pneumonia and not expected to survive. Scutter is the other papillon he turns 7 tomorrrow he is my baby. Scutter always comes first, and he is the smartest dog I have ever owned. I also have two Basset Hounds Daisy and Dolly. The smell and don't do much besides hunt and sleep haha!

We also have two cats, an orange cat named Boots and a grey and white named Cas. Cas is just over a year and Boots is 5 or 6. Cas is my 5th dog while Boots is a nasty thing. He likes to stare at you from across the room and plot your death. We recently got Cas a kitty tree which he refuses to come down off of. We also call Cas Moo because his litter box smells like a barn and he never stops eating. (NEVER. its scary).

And last but not least 3 goldfish, Frankfurt, Smee, and Matey (who has one eye). Smee and Matey are the babies at only 1-2" but Frankfurt is almost up to 8". They share a nice big 30 gallon tank and I think they are awesome.

Water Parks Question of the Day
I've done all the disney waterparks but im not a huge fan of water haha. We did discovery cove and i LOVED IT. I was also deathly ill that day, almost ended up in the hospital that night. So i felt like crap the whole time we were theree. But it was still amazing. If you can do it, its an expierence like no other.

And lastly, to those who said they are too smart for a boyfriend, poppycock. My little cousin is 13 and "into" boys now, and last time I saw her I gave her some advice that I wish someone had given me and i hope she takes to heart. Boys like smart girls. My boyfriend and I have been together 3 years and he always tells me his favorite thing about me is my intelligence. To which i always respond "I do have a very high IQ" I know I'm smart and I love that about myself, and I would never date someone who was not smart. I consider it one of my qualities!

Hopefully I will catch up soon. My paper is "finished"...well we'll see what the teacher thinks! Wish me luck!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

evening gals!

just finished dinner. our local store has a pre-made meals area and i picked up cheese...er...i mean eggplant rolitini and baked ziti...at least that's what they called it. it was delicious but was made with at least 12 pounds of mozzarella and ricotta i just didn't feel like cooking tonight. but the rest of the week is all planned out with some healthy meals. promise!

i did a 5 mile walk today. felt great to get back to the routine. naptime was difficult but eventually the kiddo went to sleep. we did have a massive diaper explosion post-nap to have to deal with though. i miss the diaper explosions when thomas was an infant. he just would lay there and i could change him and everything else in sight. but now he fights me. fighting with a toddler covered in poo is a workout!

trina ooo do you have any pics of your basset hounds? they crack me up!

shawn welcome back! new recliners, eh? sounds comfy! as far as the thyroid thing, i think it might be a good thing to get it tested. i have PCOS and a symptom of the syndrome often is thinning hair. so maybe look into that too. thin hair is one of the symptoms of PCOS that i actually don't have but since it's a syndrome you don't need every single one to be diagnosed. anywho, just a thought.

lisa i've made that pasta salad so many times! it's really yummy and easy! though i do tend to eat half of the fresh mozzarella before it makes it into the salad! when you make a tofu stir fry, what kind of tofu do you get? firm? i like tofu but never make it. i'm going to try that though - sounds good and pretty easy.

cam loved your report! and i agree, maria is one sweet gal!! i can't believe you guys ran that whole thing in all that rain! yeesh! and i don't know who anne is but i love her. what a great thing to have someone there to keep you going and to hold hands with you across the finish line - AWESOME!

dona feel better! sickness in the summer stinks!!

hi everyone else! i'm currently watching the new winnie the pooh movie for i think the 4th time today. good thing it's a cute movie! my copy is pretty good although the sound is about a second off from the action. oh well.

 

[dvccruiser76]

Yeah, that was the first time I've encountered it. We are never told exactly what disabilities or illnesses they have, but before the agency got it's current name, it was the United Cerebral Palsy Association, so I suspect that many of the older students have CP. G-tubes and wheelchairs are common equipment, and seizures are sometimes an hourly occurrence. A lot of them are non-verbal, and a lot of them require a "vesting machine" (it shakes them for 20 minutes or so) to clear the gunk from their airways so it doesn't get down into their lungs.

Wow, that must take some getting used to. I guess that's why I work with numbers. Have you gotten used to using the vesting machine?

Sue- Enjoy your birthday dinner tonight, and your quiet night alone. Ds will be having a ball with your parents, so don't worry about him. I say go for the cape too. It's summer, the sun is shining, and if you don't, you'll just get more work to do.

Hi Kathy, I ended up not going to the Cape. My sister is sick and had to be admitted for her Crohn's and the weather not being so good made me decide against it. Plus DH knows that I have a ton of work and doesn't want me to stress about it.

Aww, Sue, that dreaded before vacation list! I do the same thing and it really is not fun. I have a strategy now for that darn list. First, take another look at it and see what really could wait until after you return. Then see if you can pawn any of what is left off on someone else. Then ask yourself which of the tasks you will end up doing again if you rush through it and make mistakes and save those too. Ususally that gets the list down to something manageable. I say go to the Cape. You work awfully hard when you are not on vacation and deserve a little break!

Thanks, I think I will definitely do that tomorrow before I leave. I put 3 people on extension that weren't ready, so that pushes the 3 of them off until November and now I can cross their 3 extensions off my list. I crossed about 8 things off my list, so hopefully tomorrow is just as productive.

Today is my 33 wedding anniversary.

Happy Anniversary Dona

I have very little planned. LOL I am leaving Friday, don't know what time, don't know how far we will drive the first day, not sure of the route. As long as I go south I will be all set. I did have a 3 week WDW/Vero/Hilton Head planned - but DH's boss squashed that idea. We will be at Marriot Lakeshore Reserve for a week, we traded my Father's timeshare for that. We will be visiting the water parks, maybe one park, but that's it. We plan on dining at Shula's, House of Blues (GC from Restaurants.com). My cousin and his new wife - the wedding is tomorrow - will be in Disney for their honeymoon, so we are taking them to the Hoop Dee Doo Review. From Orlando we move over to Vero Beach for the weekend. My DH has always wanted to stay there, so I squeezed in a quick stay for him. On Sunday we leave for our favorite DVC resort - Hilton Head Island. On the following Saturday we will drive home - I think we will do it in one day.

We went to HH last year and liked it. DS is only 2 so we'll probably wait and go back when he's older and can go fishing with DH. How do you like VB? Is it similar to HH? We've never been, but I'd like to try it.

QOTD Saturday August 6
This qotd is inspired by all of you who have posted pictures of your pets.
Do you have a pet? If so, please post your favorite pet pic or share a favorite pet story!

Sorry, no pets. I'm a dog person though. DH likes BIG dogs and I prefer little ones so maybe we'll meet half way one of these times.

Happy Birthday to Janis!!

Happy Belated Birthday Janis! Hope it was a great one

QOTD Monday August 8
Have you been to any of the water parks in Orlando (Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, etc.)? Do you have a favorite?


I've only been to Aquatica but really enjoyed it (except for the food). I hope to try one of the Disney water parks on a future trip, whenever that may be.

I've been to Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Wet and Wild and River Country. I'm not a fan of lakes so I wasn't a fan of River Country, but I did enjoy BB and TL. I'd say TL the best for it's family raft ride and swimming with the fish.

What is Aquatica?



Well sorry to post and run, but I have a ton of work to get done.